Chiang Mai take 2

Hello again, 

I think I should lead off with this picture of Jared's beard- for those of you on 'beard watch.' 

After flying back from Indonesia we landed in Bangkok and promptly hopped on a night train to Chiang Mai. We were planning on spending a day in BKK and then heading up, but there was a national holiday coming up, so this was our only chance to get up to Chiang Mai by train as the next few days were all sold out. We also had to take A/C trains, which are SOOO cold. The fan cars are much nicer temperature (and cheaper!) but they were sold out. So here's a pic of the converted train seats into a bed. Jared and I each got a bed that size- how posh! 

I love this picture because it's an interesting old building, with a shock of modern posters plastered on the facade- plus a monk walking by the cars. So many centuries in one picture!

We rented a scooter and took it up the hill to Doi Suthep, the temple that looms over Chiang Mai. Apparently it is the most important thing to do while in Chiang Mai. From an inscription I read as we entered the temple: "This temple was built in King Kuna's period (A.D. 1355-1385)." He invited a priest from Sukhothai that brought with him relics from the Lord Buddha, and these were placed in a 10 m high stupa at Doi Suthep. Between A.D. 1535-1577 the stone staircases leading up to this temple were built. Some major restorations were done in 1802 and in 1935 a road was built from the bottom of the hill to the stupa. 

Little girls posing in traditional dress

Naga balustrades and the staircase 

Prayer bells

Two monks walk up to a hot dog stand and say: "Make me one with everything" 

People making offerings

There were also people carrying flowers, walking around the stupa 

There are seven 'day of the week gods' here, and you make a donation, then pour water in the cup that corresponds to the day of the week you were born on. 

That night, we went to a "Lady Boy Burlesque show." It was totally awesome. They were all lip-synching to different acts. There was one lady-boy that was particularly interested in Jared, she kept coming over, talking to Jared. It was comical. 

Yup, that's her.

My little drawing I left on a cafe wall. Proof I was there! 

Until Next Time!